Copy the Curb Appeal: Austin, TX

HGTV Magazine took a spin through Austin and found eye-catching houses worth a closer look.

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Homeowners

Sarah and Jason Williams live in this 2,576 sq. ft. home built in 2013. “Since we built our home in one of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods, we didn’t want it to look brand-new. We love that most people think it’s always been here.” Idea to steal: Easy-care plants that thrive in the South, including raspberry autumn sage, white autumn sage, and pink dianthus, grow along the walkway.

Lemon Tree and Stained-Glass Window

A potted lemon tree adds a fresh touch to the porch. It’s also lightweight and can easily be brought inside if temps turn chilly. The panel above the porch was rescued from a house that was being demolished. Surrounded by fish-scale-shingle siding, it instantly adds history to the home.

Homeowners

Built in 1914, Josie and Mark Jesser bought in this 3,200 sq. ft. home in 2005. “Our painted red porch floor, combined with the dormer on the roof, makes our bungalow a charmer.” Ceramic and terra-cotta pots hold red begonias, ixora Maui, Chinese evergreen, and ‘Black Velvet’ petunias. The built-in planters in front of the porch are made from the same steel as the steps. They’re filled with Japanese plum yew and asparagus fern.

Rocking Chairs

Homeowners

Built in 1936, Lynne Hohlfeld and Michael Crockett bought this 2,500 sq. ft. home in 2009. “This house had been a college rental for 30 years! Needless to say, the landscaping and the paint needed some TLC.” Idea to steal: The new landscaping features drought-tolerant plants, including salvia, pink vinca, and philodendrons.

Outdoor Art

Homeowners

Built in 2009, Kelsey and Scott Evans bought this 2,700 sq. ft. home in 2012. “The color of this house—teal with a hint of gray—was one of the first things that drew us to it. The stone walkway and cute square windows up top didn’t hurt either!” Idea to steal: Newly installed solar panels have drastically cut the Evanses’ electric bill. Last December they owed just 49 cents!

Flowers

The Evanses kept the landscaping easy to maintain. Blooms include white petunias in pots on the steps, and Knock Out roses and an abelia shrub in the flower beds. Plus, Kelsey keeps succulents in a terra-cotta bowl on the retaining wall posts.